Foerster Hired

The 49ers ended speculation outside the organization on the future of offensive line coach George Warhop with the hiring of former Ravens offensive line coach Chris Foerster. Now Warhop and Foerster, both with histories as pass-protection experts, will co-coach a unit that yielded the highest sack rate in the league last season.

Just after the season, two league sources predicted Warhop would be fired after the 49ers gave up 55 sacks, which tied the Chiefs for the league high. But Kansas City attempted 553 passes to the 49ers 537. According to Footballoutsiders.com, a site tracks many aspects of NFL football through unique statistical approaches, the 49ers adjusted sack rate was 10.3, also a league high. The adjusted sack rate takes intentional grounding, situation and opponent into account.

Prior to this year, when team sacks ballooned from 35 to 55, Warhop was known for improving the pass protection of his lines. In his five years in Arizona, the Cardinals went from yielding 78 sacks before his arrival in 1997, to 50 in 1998, to 45 in 1999, to 35 in 2000, to 29 in 2001. In Warhop’s final season, Cardinal quarterbacks were sacked 41 times.

Foerster, who has spent 16 years in the NFL coaching partially as an offensive line coach (Ravens 2005-7) and offensive coordinator – Miami (2004) and Minnesota (1993-5), – has experienced more recent success with protection. The 2006 Ravens gave up a league-low 17 sacks, and then with injuries hitting the line, Baltimore allowed 39 last year.

To be fair, the 49ers had their share of injuries with left tackle Jonas Jennings missing most of the season along with right guard Justin Smiley.

One challenge for Foerster and Warhop will be the make up of next year’s line. Rookie right tackle Joe Staley might move to the left side, which could prompt a switch for Jennings to right tackle. Smiley will go to free agency when it starts at the end of the month, meaning the chances of his return are minimized, and there’s speculation that Larry Allen, who’s a free agent, will retire or sign elsewhere.

It will also be interesting to see how two veteran line coaches handle splitting duties.

The team also signed punter Ricky Schmitt as a mini-camp and possibly training camp challenger to Pro Bowler Andy Lee.

Crab Cracking: Food and wine junkies should set aside Saturday, March 1st, for the 6th Annual Union Square Celebrity Crab Festival in Union Square. A crab cracking contest will ensue between quarterback Alex Smith, linebacker Manny Lawson, kicker Joe Nedney along with other luminaries including Miss Chinatown. A food, beer and wine tasting showcasing local chefs will be part of the festivities. The event takes place from noon to 3 p.m.

Tickets for the tastings $5 (cash) and proceeds benefit the 49ers Foundation. For more information, go to www.unionsquaresf.net.